Baby's First Bath
A gentle, stress-free guide to bathing your newborn safely
Pediatric tip: Wait 24-48 hours after birth for first bath to protect vernix benefits.
Newborn Bathing Basics
A baby's first bath is a special milestone that requires careful preparation. Newborns lose body heat quickly, so baths should be brief (5-10 minutes) and efficient. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
- Sponge baths until umbilical cord stump falls off (1-3 weeks)
- Water temperature between 90-100°F (32-38°C)
- Using only mild, fragrance-free cleansers
- Bathing 2-3 times per week to prevent dry skin
Preparation Checklist
1Gather supplies
- Soft washcloths (2-3)
- Mild baby soap (pH-neutral)
- Baby shampoo (tear-free)
- Soft-bristled baby hair brush
- Clean diaper and clothes
- Hooded towel
2Prepare the space
- Choose warm, draft-free area
- Bath thermometer (ideal 90-100°F)
- Water depth: 2-3 inches for newborns
- All supplies within arm's reach
- Soft surface to place baby after bath
3Safety check
- Test water temperature with wrist/elbow
- Never leave baby unattended
- Turn off phone to avoid distractions
- Secure hair if long
- Remove jewelry that might scratch
Bathing Step-by-Step
Undress & wrap
Undress baby leaving diaper on, wrap in towel exposing only what you're washing
Head first
Support head with one hand, use damp washcloth to wipe face (no soap), then wash scalp with mild shampoo
Body wash
Unwrap towel, remove diaper, clean genital area (front to back for girls)
Final rinse
Use cup or hand to gently pour water over body (avoid face)
Dry & dress
Immediately wrap in hooded towel, pat dry (especially folds), diaper and dress quickly
Bathing Frequency Guide
| Age | Recommended Baths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn-2mo | 2-3 per week | Sponge baths until umbilical cord falls off |
| 2-6mo | Every other day | Can transition to tub baths |
| 6mo+ | Daily | More frequent as they start solids/crawling |
Critical Safety Warnings
- Never leave baby unattended - drowning can occur in 1 inch of water
- Avoid bath seats - they create false security and are drowning hazards
- Check water temperature every time - babies' skin burns more easily than adults
- Don't use cotton swabs to clean ears - just wipe outer ear with washcloth
- If umbilical cord is still attached, sponge bath only and keep area dry
Pro Tips for Stress-Free Baths
Timing Tips
- Bathe when baby is alert but not hungry
- Evening baths can help establish bedtime routine
- Wait 30 minutes after feeding to avoid spit-up
Comfort Tips
- Place warm washcloth on baby's tummy during bath
- Sing or talk softly to keep baby calm
- Keep room warm (75-78°F) to prevent chills